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Cap-and-trade disparity

Ventura
Published 5:35 p.m. PT July 17, 2017

This May 25 file photo shows the Standard Oil Refinery in El Segundo on the Pacific Ocean. A plan to extend California's cap-and-trade program for another decade looks beyond cutting greenhouse gas emissions and takes aim at toxic air in the polluted neighborhoods around refineries and factories.(Photo: AP PHOTO)

I am writing to express my concern over California’s cap-and-trade program. Revenues from this program are supposed to be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of world-leading climate goals. With nearly half of the state’s population and two-thirds of the state’s disadvantaged communities, Southern California is simply not getting its fair share of the funds.

While I have concerns about delaying the impact of moving our state off polluting fossil fuels, it is imperative that there be equitable resolution of any proceeds from the program.

While the facts alone suggest our region should be getting more resources to help the state meet the world’s most ambitious climate goals, it is important to recognize the greater losses our region faces on a daily basis if the funding imbalance continues. It will only widen the existing economic disparity between Northern and Southern California.

With one in four children in our region growing up in poverty, the funds generated by the cap-and-trade program will go directly toward programs and projects that will lead to a multitude of economic, health and environmental benefits for the cities and individuals we were elected to represent.

Contact your representatives in the state Assembly and Senate and urge them to vote to ensure regional equity is a central component to the extension of the cap-and-trade program. Only with an equitable distribution of resources can we, together as Californians, fight against global climate change.

Editor: The author is an Oxnard City Council member.

Carmen Ramirez, Oxnard

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